What does the interface do with the signals?

Your interface features two-way conversion — analog-to-digital and, on the way back out of the computer, digital-to-analog, so that your computer and speakers (or headphones) will each get the set of signals it needs.

The quality of converters within interfaces does vary, generally in relationship to the price you pay, so be sure to evaluate interface choices with your end goal in mind. A typical podcast doesn’t need pristine processing, but a quality demo for a record company will.

Get connected

Here's a list of the connectors you might see on a typical interface:

Headphone jack

Line inputs for keyboards and other line-level sources. Use ¼" TRS cables for stereo sources.

The knobs and meters

Monitor mix control — turn it all the way to one side, and you hear the signal as it goes into the interface. Turn it all the way to the other, and you hear what's coming out of the computer. In the middle you hear both at equal strength.

Output level control — volume control for headpphones and monitor speakers.

Signal level meters — help you set the proper signal strength for your microphones and instruments.

Shopping tips

So if you’re shopping interfaces, make sure to inventory your current gear and computer and make sure that the interface you choose can easily integrate with all that you own.

Our product descriptions will give you all the information you’ll need about the connections you’ll need to make. And the accessories tab is a great place to find the cables you’ll need.

The surprising thing about home recording is that starting out doesn’t need to be expensive. Your studio can grow with your personal ambitions. Even a basic interface, adjusted correctly, can get a perfectly good signal into your computer for processing and editing. And there are plenty of solid quality, inexpensive microphones and monitor speakers, too.

Basic home recording setups have enabled thousands of people to generate podcasts, demos, radio dramas, and ambient soundscapes, among other projects. The only real restricting factor is the time you have to spend and the limits of your imagination.